Today, we have a guest blog post on dating from one of our business portrait & personal branding photography clients, Dr. Stephanie Weiland Knarr. Dr. Stephanie is the popular psychotherapist and owner of Dr. Stephanie's Relationship Repair Shop in the Metro Baltimore/DC area. She has a weekly radio show/ podcast called The Dr. Stephanie Show, and she's the author of the book, "Dr. Stephanie's Relationship Repair for Couples." (We photographed the cover for that book!) You can find more resources and advice about relationships on her website and You Tube channel at www.drstephanieonline.com.
In the meantime, we were delighted that she agreed to write a guest blog post for us about her thoughts on dating, given her storied background in psychotherapy. If you're single and are looking to be serious about dating, then read on for her sage advice on how to increase the success of your dating efforts.
Dating is an Investment into Yourself and Your Future!!!
By Dr. Stephanie Weiland Knarr
“What is your mindset as it relates to your dating relationships? Are you investing both time and money into finding the right partner?”
When I say this, people are surprised because this is not really the way that people traditionally have thought about dating!
The norm used to be that you will move forward in your life and you will eventually happen to run into Mr. or Mrs. Right. This does happen for some people, but it does not happen for everyone! If it has not happened to you and you are still looking for that right partner, go ahead and invest in finding him or her!
There are so many ways to invest in dating today! I encourage people all the time to do online dating. Whereas online dating apps used to be viewed as a little sketchy, they are so common now. It takes time, but online dating can be a great opportunity if you do it in the right way. However, you must invest in your future.
The first investment that, in my opinion, you should make when seeking out a partner is to invest time and money into yourself. You want to make sure that you are in a mentally healthy position. If you are not feeling that great about yourself it might be time to see a therapist and do a little work on your personal growth. You can also take the time to make sure that you are physically healthy and really put yourself in a good position to meet someone.
Just like you would invest in your education or your training to have a particular job, it is good to read about healthy relationships and train yourself. Learn about how to be a good partner while you are waiting to meet Mr. or Mrs. Right.
The other investment that you can make is to use a paid dating app or some type of matchmaking or dating service. Sometimes I get questions about whether this is a good idea, and I always encourage it. Think about the fact that if someone else is financially investing in a dating service or dating app it probably means that they also are serious about finding the right partner for them. If you look at it in this way, then you are more likely to meet someone who is serious about finding a partner rather than just someone who is out there playing games. The option to pay and invest your time and money into dating services can really pay off in the long run.
There are also other investments that you can make. I recently spoke to a photographer who had taken some business pictures for me a few years ago. She explained that photography for dating apps and services that are out there is one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. I think it is so great that people are investing their time and money into really presenting their best self, into feeling confident and good moving forward in their dating relationships. I definitely want you to invest in looking your best, being your best and then putting yourself out there.
As you are meeting people it is going to be important that you do not get discouraged or give up. Keep in mind you are going to meet people and sometimes it might take you a while. It might take many dates; it might take meeting many different people before you find that right person for you. Do not get discouraged easily and rather consider this a long-term investment. It potentially might take months or even a year or longer, it could be two or three years to find that right partner!
Just like it would take you time to prepare for a career or perhaps for a family, it is the same for finding a partner. Do not give up and keep trying. You keep meeting people and putting in the effort to become your best self and to be a healthy person, chances are you are increasing the likelihood that you will find him or her.
Finally, the other piece of advice that I always have for people is have fun. Have fun being single, have fun while you are dating. Enjoy your time, find ways to be content and feel good. It will make you a healthier more attractive partner if you do not seem desperate and are happy with being single. I want you to enjoy the journey!
Invest in your future. Put your best face forward with quality dating photos that propel you towards meeting the right partner.
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